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What is Aphasia?
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Aphasia is a loss of words, not intelligence. Aphasia can occur as a result of a stroke, traumatic (car accident or fall) or non-traumatic brain injury (head tumor, infection, Alzheimer disease, cancer and epilepsy). All these conditions or injuries may interfere with the particular part of the brain that is responsible for speech and language. Aphasia can be a short term or long term problem.
A person with Aphasia may know what they want to say, but struggle with finding the words to express themselves verbally. The language center of the brain may be temporarily "under construction". The right hemisphere of the brain is responsible for storing images we see and music we hear, and the therapy team (speech pathologists and occupational therapists) may utilize pictures and music to bridge the gap to build communication.
At the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
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Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Center for Aphasia Research and Treatment was created to respond to the challenge of living with Aphasia.
Read more about aphasia: https://www.sralab.org/conditions/aphasia
Aphasia Community Programs: https://www.sralab.org/research/labs/center-aphasia-research-treatment/projects/aphasia-community-programs
Intensive Aphasia Program: https://www.sralab.org/research/labs/aphasia/projects/intensive-comprehensive-aphasia-program
Aphasia Resources
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American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
ASHA is a professional organization that has a mission to make effective communication achievable for all persons. Consumers can go on this website to locate a provider in their area by phoning the number below.
https://www.asha.org
Phone: 800.498.2071
American Stroke Association-Aphasia
A stroke may occur in areas of the brain that control speech and language can result in aphasia. The American Stroke Association has specific information on the types of Aphasia in addition to locating support groups.
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/effects-of-stroke/cognitive-and-communication-effects-of-stroke/types-of-aphasia
Phone: 800.242.8721
Aphasia ID Card
https://www.aphasia.org/aphasia-id-card/
National Institutes of Health - What is Aphasia
Provides up-to-date consumer health information on research, clinical trials on hearing and communication disorders, such as aphasia. Health information is available in Spanish and free pdf downloads are available by clicking on the website below.
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/aphasia
National Aphasia Association (NAA)
The National Aphasia Association (NAA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for persons with aphasia and their families. NAA's goal is to provide access to research, education, rehabilitation, and advocacy services to persons living with aphasia and their caregivers
https://www.aphasia.org/
Phone: 252.254.4449
Email: answers@aphasia.org
Talking to Kids About Aphasia
This guide offers ways to support talking about aphasia that fosters a meaningful connection and understanding.
https://aphasia.org/stories/talking-kids-aphasia/
What is Aphasia?
Available in English and other languages.
https://aphasia.org/what-is-aphasia/
Aphasia & Stroke Support Resources
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National Aphasia Association
naa@aphasia.org
National Aphasia Association
P.O.Box 87, Scarsdale, NY 10583
https://www.aphasia.org/
Northwestern Medicine Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology
Monthly support group for family and care partners of people with PPA primary progressive aphasia. Meets online the third Monday of each month from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. There is no fee to participate.
http://www.brain.northwestern.edu/care-and-support/ftd-ppa-support.html
Contact Darby Morhardt, PhD, LCSW
d-morhardt@northwestern.edu
312.908.9432
American Stroke Association - Support Group Finder
https://www.stroke.org/en/stroke-support-group-finder
800.242.8721
Beyond Stillness - Stories After Stroke
Our mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.
https://www.beyondstillness.org/
Life After Stroke Podcast
Support with Christopher Ewing
Available on Apple, Spotify, Google, and iHeart.
http://www.thestrokechannel.tv/radiopodcast.html
RUSH - Stroke Support Group
[No website]
For caregivers and stroke survivors
Meets on the 2nd Tuesday on ZOOM, 2-3pm CST
Contact: Gail Valadez
312.563.2994
Gail_Valadez@rush.edu
Stroke Survivors Empowering Each Other (SSEEO)
https://sseeo.org/
888.988.8047
You may also be interested in: Aphasia Support Groups on Listing for all Conditions
https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter/resources/listing-support-groups-all-conditions
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This content is for informational purposes only and may not be comprehensive. Information contained does not imply an endorsement from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and does not replace the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. See here for further details. © Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (formerly Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago). Henry B. Betts LIFE Center – (312) 238-5433 – https://www.sralab.org/lifecenter.
